Kingdom of Heaven Part 7
What is the kingdom of Heaven like and what can it be compared to? Jesus the Messias uses parables or similes to make the invisible things of God clearly visible.
Matthew 22:2-14
2 The kingdom of heaven is like unto a certain king, which made a marriage for his son,
3 And sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the wedding: and they would not come.
4 Again, he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them which are bidden, Behold, I have prepared my dinner: my oxen and my fatlings are killed, and all things are ready: come unto the marriage.
5 But they made light of it, and went their ways, one to his farm, another to his merchandise:
6 And the remnant took his servants, and entreated them spitefully, and slew them.
7 But when the king heard there of, he was wroth: and he sent forth his armies, and destroyed those murderers, and burned up their city.
8 Then said he to his servants, The wedding is ready, but they which were bidden were not worthy.
9 Go you therefore into the highways, and as many as you shall find, bid to the marriage.
10 So those servants went out into the highways, and gathered together all as many as they found, both bad and good: and the wedding was furnished with guests.
11 And when the king came in to see the guests, he saw there a man which had not on a wedding garment:
12 And he said unto him, Friend, how came you in here not having a wedding garment? And he was speechless.
13 Then said the king to the servants, Bind him hand and foot, and take him away, and cast him into outer darkness; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
14 For many are called, but few are chosen.
A marriage here on earth is the joining of a man and the woman that becomes his wife, by God. All throughout the history of mankind it has not only been a solemn occasion but also a time of great joy. In this comparison the king is God, the son is Jesus and mankind is now being called, to that great day when Gods people are united by Jesus in the new heaven and earth. What is truly amazing about the call to this great day, is that there are many that do not desire to attend. They evidently have things that they consider to be of greater importance or value to attend to. And among those who answer the call there are some not properly attired for the marriage. The very last statement the Messias makes is the most shocking of all. He says "for many are called but few are chosen".
Mark 8:36-38
36 For what shall it profit a man, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?
37 Or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
38 Who so ever therefore shall be ashamed of me and of my words in this adulterous and sinful generation; of him also shall the Son of man be ashamed, when he comes in the glory of his Father with the holy angels.
Consider the questions the Messias is asking. What is there on this earth that is of higher value than life itself? Would it be possible to engage in any of the activities or pleasures of this earth without life? Can any of the experiences or riches collected by a man or woman be taken with them when they die? There must be many that believe it is so because in the end "many are called but few are chosen".
Revelation 19:6-9
6 And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigns.
7 Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honor to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready.
8 And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.
9 And he said unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he said unto me, These are the true sayings of God.
The Apostle John was shown the marriage occurs after this earth and the wickedness in it has been destroyed. He was also shown the proper attire or wedding garments. To be worn by those who answer the call to the marriage he describes them as the clean and white works of righteousness of saints.
Matthew 5:20
20 For I say unto you, That except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven.
The Jews during the time that Jesus walked the earth were divided into sects known as the Pharisees and the Saducees. There is no question that both sects were engaged in very pious and religious activities. So what does the Messias mean except your righteousness exceed theirs you cannot enter the kingdom of Heaven?
Matthew 23:1-7
1 Then spoke Jesus to the multitude, and to his disciples,
2 Saying, The scribes and the Pharisees sit in Moses' seat:
3 All therefore what so ever they bid you observe, that observe and do; but do not you after their works: for they say, and do not.
4 For they bind heavy burdens and grievous to be borne, and lay them on men's shoulders; but they themselves will not move them with one of their fingers.
5 But all their works they do for to be seen of men: they make broad their phylacteries, and enlarge the borders of their garments,
6 And love the uppermost rooms at feasts, and the chief seats in the synagogues,
7 And greetings in the markets, and to be called of men, Rabbi, Rabbi.
Their works of righteousness were done for the prestige and esteem they could receive in their community. They looked pious and religious they even sounded like they were pious and religious. In their hearts they were full of pride and wickedness and God looks into the hearts of mankind.
Matthew 7:21-23
21 Not every one that says unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that does the will of my Father which is in heaven.
22 Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in your name? and in your name have cast out devils? and in your name done many wonderful works?
23 And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, you that work iniquity.
In part eight of the kingdom of Heaven more of what Jesus the Messias revealed will be provided. Please take the time to read it and examine his words.